“And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the Lord to-morrow: and it shall be that the man whom the Lord doth choose, he shall be holy: ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.”
Context: Numbers 16 records the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron’s leadership. They gathered a group of 250 prominent men and confronted Moses, challenging their authority and accusing them of taking too much upon themselves. In response, Moses proposes a test to determine whom the Lord has chosen as His holy servant.
Symbolism of Fire and Incense: In this verse, Moses instructs the rebels to take fire and incense before the Lord. Fire and incense are significant elements used in worship and offerings. Fire symbolizes the presence of God, His purification, and judgment. Incense represents the prayers and intercession of the people rising to God. By using fire and incense, Moses emphasizes the sacredness of the occasion and the need for divine intervention.
The Holiness of the Chosen One: Moses declares that the person chosen by the Lord will be holy. Holiness refers to being set apart and consecrated for God’s purposes. The chosen individual would possess qualities and characteristics that demonstrate their devotion to God and obedience to His commandments. By emphasizing holiness, Moses asserts that the Lord will select someone who is dedicated to serving Him faithfully.
Taking Too Much Upon Themselves: Moses addresses the accusation made by Korah and his followers that Moses and Aaron were taking too much authority for themselves. Moses rebukes them, indicating that they have exceeded their rightful boundaries as sons of Levi. Moses and Aaron were appointed by God to lead the Israelites, and their authority came from the Lord Himself. By challenging their leadership, the rebels were not only questioning Moses and Aaron but also questioning God’s choice and divine order.
Lessons for us: This passage teaches us several important lessons. First, it highlights the significance of God’s chosen leaders and the need to respect and honor their authority. Second, it reminds us of the importance of humility and recognizing that our positions and roles are established by God. Third, it emphasizes the necessity of holiness in serving the Lord. We are called to live a life set apart for God’s purposes, honoring Him in all that we do.
In conclusion, Numbers 16:7 presents a pivotal moment in the rebellion against Moses and Aaron’s leadership. Moses instructs the rebels to bring fire and incense, symbolizing the sacredness of the occasion and the need for divine intervention. He affirms that the Lord will choose a holy individual, addressing the accusation of taking too much upon themselves. This passage teaches us valuable lessons about respecting authority, embracing humility, and pursuing a life of holiness in our service to God.
